One of the fascinating unexplored aspects of the "Casablanca" universe is the Blue Parrot, the nightclub and ostensible competitor to Rick's Café Americain across the way. The Blue Parrot is owned by Ferrari, and since he's played by the great Sydney Greenstreet, you know you have a character and a place worth examining.
The movie only gives us hints, though, with a few tantalizing exchanges between Rick and Ferrari that establish that the latter controls not only the black market in Casablanca, but also the shipments of goods that arrive to restock their establishments. As Rick points out, it's always just a little short when Ferrari sends the Cafe's portion over. But, hey, Rick sees it all as part of the cost of doing business.
When Ilsa is pumping Sam for info on where Rick is, he lies that he has taken a girl he's seeing over to the Blue Parrot. Just because it isn't true in this case doesn't mean it isn't ever the case. I like the idea of Rick taking a hot date over to his competitor's place. It just wouldn't be classy to take her to your own bar, I guess.
We don't see much of the Parrot, but it looks like a more mysterious place with less (as in zero) live music and maybe a less festive atmosphere. We don't SEE any gambling going on there, but I would be shocked--shocked--to find that gambling ISN'T going on in Ferrari's establishment as it is in Rick's.
What really intrigues me is the relationship between the two places. Rick and Farrari clearly have a semi-friendly relationship, but I would like to see kind of a Gary's Olde Towne Tavern/Cheers vibe, only without the outright hatred. It would be great if the two had annual prank wars. Oh, Rick would pretend to be all detached and not care, and Ferrari would also place himself above the fray, but you know that they'd be sitting in the back obsessing over how to screw the other one over.
I can see Sasha doing something juvenile like putting something sticky on Ferrari's flyswatter so he wouldn't be able to get it out of his hand. Then Rick would be like, "Think bigger, guys! Think bigger!" Surely Ferrari would have no problem creating outrageous pranks. I'll bet it would only take a couple exchanges before Sam's piano ended up on top of the Café.
It would escalate until one or both of the nightclubs exploded--during the morning, of course, when no one would be hurt--and a smirking Captain Renault collected ample reparations from Rick and Farrari for "disturbing the peace." Then the two proprietors would look at each other, grin, and start rebuilding...and thinking up new schemes.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Monday, June 27, 2016
"Casablanca" Week at Cultureshark
I know I promised to catch up on some other features this week, but you know what? I just experienced my annual viewing of "Casablanca," and I'm declaring this whole week a celebration of my favorite (and the best) movie of all time.
I like to watch the film every year on or around my birthday for several reasons: For one, it's the one that got me "into" older movies. I still remember catching it for the first time on a late-night screening by a local PBS station and being mesmerized by it. Perhaps more importantly, it gives me a certain sense of renewal. Each time I watch "Casablanca," I am reminded that there is good in the world and in humanity, that people are capable of making decisions based on ideals and concepts larger than their own immediate desires, and that S.Z. Sakall is funny as hell.
It still holds up for me every time, and it still feels like about a 30-minute movie instead of a 104-minute one. Over the years I focus on different things. For a while my favorite scene was the one in which Rick helps the Bulgarian couple get money for exit visas by manipulating the roulette game. Lately I find myself admiring Sam more and more but wishing he didn't have to address Rick as "Boss" and "Mister Rick."
Another thing I note as the years go on is that I like Paul Henreid's Victor Laszlo more than I ever did. In many ways it's a tough part, but you know, Victor's a pretty good guy. It would be easy to make him a humorless, insufferable bore, but even compared to Bogart, he comes off pretty well. His charisma is just a different kind, and it's an appropriate contrast in this setting.
I'm also more convinced that Claude Rains delivers one of the finest comic performances ever in this movie and that he deserves more acclaim for his work as Captain Renault. And I notice that while there are some plot elements that make no sense, the movie at least tries to offer explanations for most of them. Besides, who cares? The whole "Letters of Transit" thing always makes me smile, but there are worse gimmicks to build a narrative around.
It's hard to say new things about one of the most beloved and discussed motion pictures in history, but I have a few more thoughts I'll share this week. Stay tuned for more "Casablanca" thoughts, and I suggest you watch it again because...because why not?
I like to watch the film every year on or around my birthday for several reasons: For one, it's the one that got me "into" older movies. I still remember catching it for the first time on a late-night screening by a local PBS station and being mesmerized by it. Perhaps more importantly, it gives me a certain sense of renewal. Each time I watch "Casablanca," I am reminded that there is good in the world and in humanity, that people are capable of making decisions based on ideals and concepts larger than their own immediate desires, and that S.Z. Sakall is funny as hell.
It still holds up for me every time, and it still feels like about a 30-minute movie instead of a 104-minute one. Over the years I focus on different things. For a while my favorite scene was the one in which Rick helps the Bulgarian couple get money for exit visas by manipulating the roulette game. Lately I find myself admiring Sam more and more but wishing he didn't have to address Rick as "Boss" and "Mister Rick."
Another thing I note as the years go on is that I like Paul Henreid's Victor Laszlo more than I ever did. In many ways it's a tough part, but you know, Victor's a pretty good guy. It would be easy to make him a humorless, insufferable bore, but even compared to Bogart, he comes off pretty well. His charisma is just a different kind, and it's an appropriate contrast in this setting.
I'm also more convinced that Claude Rains delivers one of the finest comic performances ever in this movie and that he deserves more acclaim for his work as Captain Renault. And I notice that while there are some plot elements that make no sense, the movie at least tries to offer explanations for most of them. Besides, who cares? The whole "Letters of Transit" thing always makes me smile, but there are worse gimmicks to build a narrative around.
It's hard to say new things about one of the most beloved and discussed motion pictures in history, but I have a few more thoughts I'll share this week. Stay tuned for more "Casablanca" thoughts, and I suggest you watch it again because...because why not?
Friday, June 24, 2016
Streaming Video Power Rankings: Week 13
These rankings are late because of all the events going on in the world of SVOD, totally not because I blew off the blog for other things.
1) Netflix: At the top spot again on the strength of buzz surrounding a new season of "Orange Is the New Black," plus additions like "Spotlight" and (Hey, my kids will be happy) season 1 of "Bunk'd." I'm not thrilled about the reminders that my price is going up, nor about the news that Netflix is throwing money at "social media stars" to make shows, but nobody is perfect this week.
2) Hulu: I hope Hulu isn't spending too much money on that "cable-ish" TV service it's planning to launch. This week, it lost streaming rights to CW shows (effective in a few months). So this fall, Hulu loses CW programs and Criterion movies. What will replace them?
On the bright side, Ron Howard's Beatles movie got a premiere date and a trailer, Hulu debuted a handful of popular Disney Channel shows (Tell us again about that Disney deal, Netflix) and, because why not, added a bunch of episodes of the original "Dark Shadows."
3) Warner Archive Instant: WAI rockets up the charts this week because it did something novel: It updated its website and Roku page! Yes, no longer are there prominent pictures of titles no longer available. The "Showcases" grouping movies on various themes are now updated. Some "new" (mostly already on the site before) movies appeared. It's all enough to make me give it another month. That and the fact that I want to see more of "The Lieutenant" and "Dr. Kildare." WAI also earns this spot because I got to see the rest of "A Man Called Shenandoah" this past week.
4) Highspots TV: I don't think I'll be able to renew after my free trial, but I will absolutely consider getting it again in the future. The consistent stream really helps. This week I enjoyed a bunch of random 1980s footage from Hawaii.
5) Amazon Prime: It's another pilot season, for what that's worth, but I was bummed when I learned "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters "was one of these pilots and not a sign that the Krofft library was now streaming.
6) HBO Go: Ben Affleck's bizarre embarrassment of an interview helped give Bill Simmons' new show some buzz, plus "Game of Thrones" is surging toward its season finale.
7) YouTube: Some of my favorite channels really stepped it up with content this week. I ask again, though, is anyone subscribing to YouTube Red?
8) WWE Network: Steadily adding a variety of content, had a successful "Pay per View" special Sunday, and is generating buzz with its tapings for the upcoming "Cruiserweight Classic" series.
9) Watch TCM: Please get this on Roku. Oh, if only these movies were on the service Warner charges us 10 bucks for (see #3). You have to love an assortment of films that pays tribute to both Jimmy Cagney and Marie Dressler.
10) Pub-D-Hub: They took this week off for no apparent reason (celebrating Father's Day?) and made no update, but it gives me extra time to enjoy the likes of "The Pinky Lee Show."
1) Netflix: At the top spot again on the strength of buzz surrounding a new season of "Orange Is the New Black," plus additions like "Spotlight" and (Hey, my kids will be happy) season 1 of "Bunk'd." I'm not thrilled about the reminders that my price is going up, nor about the news that Netflix is throwing money at "social media stars" to make shows, but nobody is perfect this week.
2) Hulu: I hope Hulu isn't spending too much money on that "cable-ish" TV service it's planning to launch. This week, it lost streaming rights to CW shows (effective in a few months). So this fall, Hulu loses CW programs and Criterion movies. What will replace them?
On the bright side, Ron Howard's Beatles movie got a premiere date and a trailer, Hulu debuted a handful of popular Disney Channel shows (Tell us again about that Disney deal, Netflix) and, because why not, added a bunch of episodes of the original "Dark Shadows."
3) Warner Archive Instant: WAI rockets up the charts this week because it did something novel: It updated its website and Roku page! Yes, no longer are there prominent pictures of titles no longer available. The "Showcases" grouping movies on various themes are now updated. Some "new" (mostly already on the site before) movies appeared. It's all enough to make me give it another month. That and the fact that I want to see more of "The Lieutenant" and "Dr. Kildare." WAI also earns this spot because I got to see the rest of "A Man Called Shenandoah" this past week.
4) Highspots TV: I don't think I'll be able to renew after my free trial, but I will absolutely consider getting it again in the future. The consistent stream really helps. This week I enjoyed a bunch of random 1980s footage from Hawaii.
5) Amazon Prime: It's another pilot season, for what that's worth, but I was bummed when I learned "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters "was one of these pilots and not a sign that the Krofft library was now streaming.
6) HBO Go: Ben Affleck's bizarre embarrassment of an interview helped give Bill Simmons' new show some buzz, plus "Game of Thrones" is surging toward its season finale.
7) YouTube: Some of my favorite channels really stepped it up with content this week. I ask again, though, is anyone subscribing to YouTube Red?
8) WWE Network: Steadily adding a variety of content, had a successful "Pay per View" special Sunday, and is generating buzz with its tapings for the upcoming "Cruiserweight Classic" series.
9) Watch TCM: Please get this on Roku. Oh, if only these movies were on the service Warner charges us 10 bucks for (see #3). You have to love an assortment of films that pays tribute to both Jimmy Cagney and Marie Dressler.
10) Pub-D-Hub: They took this week off for no apparent reason (celebrating Father's Day?) and made no update, but it gives me extra time to enjoy the likes of "The Pinky Lee Show."
Friday, June 17, 2016
Streaming Video Power Rankings: Week 12
Uneventful week for streaming video, bit here we go.
1) Hulu: Slow week, and where the heck is that ESPN OJ documentary? I read it would be on Hulu. Still, it got streaming rights to a batch of Disney Channel shows, which is a good way to beef up its kids programming, and nobody else had a great week, either.
2) Netflix: These rankings are a few days late, and yet still I don't see much in the way of interesting Netflix adds this week. It was good news, though, to see it snagged the upcoming "Office"/David Brent movie. But, hey, with the news that Hulu is getting these Disney Channel shows, I ask again: What is so great about that Netflix/Disney deal?
3) Pub-D-Hub: More Martin Kane and "Schlitz Playhouse" puts this outfit up with the big boys in a slow week.
4) Highspots TV: I'm enjoying my free month trial very much, and I am not even watching the modern indie wrestling on there, but rather the documentaries and classic content. It seems to be adding new stuff regularly.
5) Amazon Prime: Hey, this is the exclusive streaming home for several more programs now, including "Mr. Robot." Good for subscribers, bad for me. I wanted to see "Mr. Robot."
6) Watch ESPN: People flocked here to watch the complete "Made in America" miniseries. Only problem: It requires provider authentication. Boooo!
7) Warner Archive Instant: Oh, how I want to love this service. I have been watching lots of great old TV episodes. But last weekend I sat down to watch a movie and discovered it had been yanked without notice...along with other old ones on my watchlist. WAI has 6 movies from the 1930s right now. 6. They don't seem to want to talk about it on their Facebook page.
8) Shout Factory TV: Hey, Shout, I've given up on those Glen Campbell specials that were up for like half a day, but why did you take down those 1970s "Black Omnibus" episodes?
9) Tubi TV: Were you aware that Tubi TV was streaming "Ski School" with the immortal Dean Cameron? That's enough to rate an appearance in the top 10.
10) YouTube: Still not crazy about the new Roku video controls, but I guess I'll get over it. No channels I love have been deleted lately, so that's good!
1) Hulu: Slow week, and where the heck is that ESPN OJ documentary? I read it would be on Hulu. Still, it got streaming rights to a batch of Disney Channel shows, which is a good way to beef up its kids programming, and nobody else had a great week, either.
2) Netflix: These rankings are a few days late, and yet still I don't see much in the way of interesting Netflix adds this week. It was good news, though, to see it snagged the upcoming "Office"/David Brent movie. But, hey, with the news that Hulu is getting these Disney Channel shows, I ask again: What is so great about that Netflix/Disney deal?
3) Pub-D-Hub: More Martin Kane and "Schlitz Playhouse" puts this outfit up with the big boys in a slow week.
4) Highspots TV: I'm enjoying my free month trial very much, and I am not even watching the modern indie wrestling on there, but rather the documentaries and classic content. It seems to be adding new stuff regularly.
5) Amazon Prime: Hey, this is the exclusive streaming home for several more programs now, including "Mr. Robot." Good for subscribers, bad for me. I wanted to see "Mr. Robot."
6) Watch ESPN: People flocked here to watch the complete "Made in America" miniseries. Only problem: It requires provider authentication. Boooo!
7) Warner Archive Instant: Oh, how I want to love this service. I have been watching lots of great old TV episodes. But last weekend I sat down to watch a movie and discovered it had been yanked without notice...along with other old ones on my watchlist. WAI has 6 movies from the 1930s right now. 6. They don't seem to want to talk about it on their Facebook page.
8) Shout Factory TV: Hey, Shout, I've given up on those Glen Campbell specials that were up for like half a day, but why did you take down those 1970s "Black Omnibus" episodes?
9) Tubi TV: Were you aware that Tubi TV was streaming "Ski School" with the immortal Dean Cameron? That's enough to rate an appearance in the top 10.
10) YouTube: Still not crazy about the new Roku video controls, but I guess I'll get over it. No channels I love have been deleted lately, so that's good!
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Shameless Self-Promotion: TV Time celebrates Fathers Day at ClassicFlix!
In my latest feature, I look at some of the most famous TV dads and how they deal with their imminent blessed events. Read about Rob, Ricky, Fred, and more! Don't you dare miss it...and tell 'em Cultureshark sent ya!
TV TIME: Guide for the Expectant Dad
As Father's Day approaches, prospective fathers look to classic television for pointers on how to handle their upcoming blessed events. I admit that despite a misspent youth filled with reruns, when it was my turn to witness the miracle of life, I did not run around in a panicked frenzy, drive to the hospital without the mother, and hand out cigars to everyone in sight. But the rest of you might not want to take that chance, so let's dive into TV history to see how other new dads prepare for the big day.
[Click here for more]
BTW, this bit of shameless self-promotion will push back the SVOD power rankings to tomorrow, and then I have some more TV Time Extra relating to the last feature, so the Summer of Angst will continue next week!
TV TIME: Guide for the Expectant Dad
As Father's Day approaches, prospective fathers look to classic television for pointers on how to handle their upcoming blessed events. I admit that despite a misspent youth filled with reruns, when it was my turn to witness the miracle of life, I did not run around in a panicked frenzy, drive to the hospital without the mother, and hand out cigars to everyone in sight. But the rest of you might not want to take that chance, so let's dive into TV history to see how other new dads prepare for the big day.
[Click here for more]
BTW, this bit of shameless self-promotion will push back the SVOD power rankings to tomorrow, and then I have some more TV Time Extra relating to the last feature, so the Summer of Angst will continue next week!
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
TV Time Bonus: All About Eve Arden
Last week, my latest TV Time piece went live at ClassicFlix, and while I enjoyed talking about the feature film version of "Our Miss Brooks," I wasn't able to share some of the more awesome moments. Here are a few screencaps:
Eve Arden with Nick Adams because...why not?
Hijinks with Eve and Dandy Don Porter:
Classic Eve reaction on the boat:
That musical number. Ouch!
An even MORE classic Eve reaction--the take I mention in the article:
Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for: The Two Mr. Wilsons:
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